A strong ground-up construction submission connects four things: a build-ready site, a qualified team, a defensible budget and schedule, and an exit that supports the requested leverage. Missing permits, utilities, contingency, or experience can stop a file early.
Site readiness
Document ownership or purchase, title, zoning, entitlement, utilities, access, plans, permits, surveys, environmental items where relevant, and whether the request includes land acquisition.
Team and budget
Provide borrower and guarantor experience, builder and GC credentials, references, contracts, detailed hard and soft costs, contingency, schedule, and sources and uses.
Exit and draw planning
Support build-to-sell values or build-to-rent income, and understand inspections, retainage, draw frequency, interest reserve, completion guarantees, recourse, extensions, and permanent financing.
What to do next
Use the numbers and documents from this guide to prepare a complete scenario. Final eligibility and terms depend on the lender’s current program, underwriting, property, borrower, business, and state.